National Grid study details costs of reducing greenhouse gases

A new study sponsored by National Grid and other energy companies details the projected costs of reducing greenhouse gases in the United States.

The study, called “Reducing US Greenhouse Gases: How Much at What Cost?” estimates that reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by 3 gigatons by 2030 would cost a total of $1.1 trillion.

Greenhouse gases, believed to cause global warming, include carbon dioxide, which is emitted into the air by power plants that use fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas.

National Grid is the dominant utility in the Capital Region. The company, which is based in the United Kingdom and has operations in New York and New England, has vowed to reduce its own emissions by 60 percent by 2050. In general, the company has sold off its power plants.

The study said that the cost of reducing greenhouse gases will be $50 per ton, although much of the reductions can be achieved through energy efficiency and conservation.

The study says that government forecasts estimate that under current policies, annual greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. will reach 9.7 gigatons by 2030. A gigaton is one billion metric tons.